On Wednesday, May 14, 2008, the Executive Committee of the Arkansas Municipal League met for the last time prior to the summer conference. The summer conference will occur in Hot Sptrings, AR on June 18-20, 2008. See the league's website for more information (Arkansas Municipal League Website)This last executive committee meeting was held in Paragould, Arkansas instead of at league headquarters in North Little Rock. The last meeting prior to the summer conference is generally held in the home city of the then current league president.
Our current president is Mr. Mike Gaskill, Mayor, Paragould, Arkansas. He has done an exceptional job as president. He was a great host for this meeting. He and the local chamber director teamed up to provide a sumptuous meal for the attendees. The former mayor of Paragould who served for 19 years a mayor was in attendance too.
Our agenda included receiving and accepting numerous committee reports and a Supreme Court of Arkansas ruling in Benton County v. Bentonville (and other Benton County cities) regarding the distribution of property taxes within Benton County. That case is number 07-394 and can be found on the Supreme Court's webpage at http://courts.state.ar.us/.
We heard from Mayor Patrick, St. Charles; on the Legislative Task Force on Criteria and Qualifications for Police Chiefs in first class cities. The effort has been narrowed to and concentrated on the larger classification of cities because it was seen as cumbersome and costly by the smaller communities.
Mark Hayes, General Counsel for the Arkansas Municipal League, presented the league's position on Minimum Qualifications For Chiefs of Police in Arkansas. These new minimum qualifications would be in addition to the current standards and only apply to chiefs of police in certain cities based upon population. These qualifications would not apply to sheriff's deputies or members of the Arkansas State Police.
This video captures some of Mark's comments to the executive committee:
There is pending a bill in the U. S. Congress regarding Mandatory Collection Bargaining with Police and Fire personnel. The league opposes this legislative because it will ratchet up the cost of police officers and firefighters. This unionization of police and fire departments across the country could lead to some dire consequences. It was said, at the meeting, that a city in California has already been forced into bankruptcy because of similar circumstances. Our Senators, Honorable Blanche Lambert Lincoln and Honorable Mark Pryor should be contacted and told that we oppose this resolution. The name and title of the bill is H. R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act.
In the next video, Bruce Johnson of DB SQUARED introduced the league to JESAP "paying people fairly." This program will provide cities which participate an Organized Compensation Structure; up to date, Compliant Job Descriptions; and other human resources related assistance.
Here is a brief video the JESAP segment of the meeting:
Here are a few snapshots of the Investment Committee meeting in the small room and then the Executive Committee Meeting in the large room:
Click this link to Download the Itinerary for the Summer Conference:
Agenda for Summer Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Saturday, May 17, 2008
latitudinarian: Dictionary.com Word of the Day
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Word of the Day for Saturday, May 17, 2008latitudinarian \lat-uh-too-din-AIR-ee-un; -tyoo-\, adjective: 1. Having or expressing broad and tolerant views, especially in religious matters. More was nothing like his supposed example, the gently latitudinarian Cicero, for instance: Cicero's philosophical and religious dialogues (as opposed to his legal and political speeches, of course) often read as if he delighted in being contradicted, while More's are spittingly conclusive. . . .the optimism preached in England by latitudinarians trying to soften the Puritan concepts of an inscrutable, cruel God and an abject, fallen humanity. Latitudinarian comes from Latin latitudo, latitudin-, "latitude" (from latus, "broad, wide") + the suffix -arian. | |||||||||
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Friday, May 16, 2008
Sanitation Department Weekly DHR 5-19-2008
SANITATION DEPARTMENT
PROGRESS REPORT
May 12th-16th 2008
Prepared by : Quiania Williams
Specific Weekly Activities:
Monday 5/12/2008
Ran the regular Lake View trash route
Serviced the garbage trucks and equipment
Cleaned alley on Westwood
Changed oil in dodge truck for the box shop
Mechanic put A/C belt on back hoe
Cleaned debris on side of ditch on Guthrie
Total tonnage and cost to landfill:56.00tn,$1568.00 cost,( 6.38 tn, $178.64 cost Lakeview)
Tuesday 5/13/2008
Ran the regular trash route @ 4:00 a.m.
Completed assignment on Westwood and Guthrie
Delivered and picked up carts from local residents
Center street (136)
Jordan street (106)
Valley Drive (115)
Plaza St.( 627) and etc…
City mechanic ordered parts for unit #26 (clutch fan 10-7)
Put light on 28 for reverse switch
T.A. loaded paper for Will Transport paper company (30) bales
Total tonnage and cost to landfill:72.19 tn, $2021.32 cost
Wednesday 5/14/2008
Ran regular trash routes
Part time workers came in early to assist drivers due to only 2 garbage trucks running
Mechanic put cylinder on #21 and hooked up light and serviced it
Unit #29 went out of service transmission seal broke
Continued to deliver carts to residence
1224 Porter…
616 Phillips
1415 Holly and etc…
Total tonnage and cost to landfill:49.45tn, $1384.60 cost
Thursday 5/15/2008
Ran regular trash routes
Placed sanitation stickers on garbage cans
Part time workers can in early to assist with drivers on routes (2 trucks down)
Mechanic replaced clutch fan on unit#26
Total tonnage and cost to landfill:16.56tn, $463.68 cost
Friday 5/16/2008
Ran regular routes
Picked up boxes from local merchants
Took unit #29 to Mayville repair shop to replace transmission seal
Victor , Quiania went to Little Rock to meet with rep from Scott Equipment to look at mini excavator demonstration
Total tonnage and cost to landfill:44.94 tn, $1258.32 cost
Total tonnage and cost to landfill week of 5/12/2008-5/16/2008= 239.14tn, $6695.92 cost
Future Weekly Activities:
Follow up on demolition projects
Continue working with Code Enforcement and other Depts.
Continue with picking up trash on daily basis
Follow Up Activities:
Check progress of unit #29
Take unit #25 back to River City Hydraulics for installation of joy stick
Begin to initiate new recycling process
Staff Concerns:
John Smith is still out and will be going to the doctor on Tuesday 5/20/08
Walter Vaughn has made contact with supervisor and asked for workman comp clearance to go to hospital to have x ray's done
Victor Jordan attended the Missouri -Arkansas Recycling Conference in Branson Missouri this past week
Mark Smith out on sick leave until further notice
Essie Banks out on sick leave until further notice
Helena-West Helena Parks and Recreation 5/19/2008
Helena-West Helena Parks and Recreation
Community Center Programs
· After-school Tutorial: Tutorial is held in the Community Center Mon.-Thru. the total number of students we service 16.
For one (1) hour each day,4 times a week, and 52 weeks in a year.
· 2. Summer Swim Camp: Swim Camp is held at the pool beginning in the month July; each camper will have three(3) times a day for 45 minutes for 4 weeks.
· 3. Summer Sports Camp: Sport Camp is held in the North Helena Park. We service 100 student for two (2) weeks. The hours of operation is 9am-3pm, daily.
· 4. Youth Boys Basketball Season: The season last two (2) months. We service 75 youth boys daily.
· 5. Youth Girls Basketball Season: Two months(2), we service 96 girls twice (2) a week
· 6. Delta Christmas Program: 115 boys and girls received coats, toys, and books.
Weekly Code Enforcement Report
Weekly Department Report Summary
May 11-16, 2008
Department: Code Enforcement
Date: May 16, 2008
Prepared by: PH Allen & J McIntosh
Weekly Activities
- Walter Morris Called about Semi –Parked in parking Lot- Referred to HWHPD
- Created postcard "Chapter 5 Notice" mass mail out
- Vanessa Willis called about Code Enforcement for Elaine- Referred to Mayor Valley- Resolved Pending Conversation with Mayor of Elaine
- Created Referral List of Licensed Lawn Care Providers
Campbell's Moving and Lawn Service
Michael Campbell Jr. Cell; 870-995-9313
Res; 870-228-6100; 870-228-2683
Scott's Trick of All Trades; Robert Scott
1221 Porter Street Cell 870-817-1143 or 870-317-7981
Smith's Lawn Service ;Office Manager; Shelia Roberson
Owner; Joseph Smith 214-500-9856
Email: grassyland2008@yahoo.com
- Responded to 219 Joe Brady Dr about flooding
- Notified Red Cross
- View flooded yard on Jerry St per Oscar- contacted John King- referred to Oscar
- James Miller- Received complaint about his pigs on Lithicum- Resolved
- Reported water leak in street corner of ladino and Baringo- Referred Water Dept-Resolved
- Reported Clogged ditch corner of S 6th and Park-Referred to Oscar- Resolved
- 503 Ladino St- Mixed Breed- spoke about privacy fence-Unresolved- Follow Up in 2 weeks
- 301 Arkansas St- Greer needing to move vehicles and finish privacy fence-Unresolved-Follow Up in 2 weeks
- Received complaint that ditch is growing up on lot at 141/143 Anderson St.- Referred to Oscar- Unresolved
· 1 Plaza Ave- C & O Automotive Repair Shop – Resolved
o Final Notice sent to remove vehicles and erect privacy fence
o Making progress on erecting fence.
o Asked for more time- Follow up in 2 weeks
· Contacted Tom Heisler about his desire to buy 909 Pecan Property. Will contact Mr. Herrara-Unresolved
· Notified Property Owners to responsibility to maintain lots
o W & L Reality Property
o GMA Mortgage
o First Delta Reality
o Messina Realty
o Waddell Realty
· Spoke with Mr. Waddell about Sylvan Ridge Subdivision
- 316, 322, & 324 Washington St- Unresolved
- Spoke with Walter about getting property boarded up
- Property due to be sold.
- 138 Washington St- Owner desires quote of demolition
- House is boarded up with a For Sale Sign-Resolved
- Owner Ms. Vinsen called and is selling property
- 1222 Ohio St -Received request for quote on demolishing a home
- Submitted to Sanitation Dept- Victor- Unresolved
- 1604 Little Rock Rd
- Ethel Childs request more time to clean up property. –Unresolved
- Making significant progress
- Joyce Fleming Called about debris not removed from property
- 556 South 7th St- Property due to be cleaned up this week – per Victor –Resolved
- Addressed complaint of trash all over the ground
- Pat Kelly's Trailer Park- (Spoke with Attorney Valley about Code Enforcement authority in regards to properties located in the county.)- Unresolved
· Addressed Fire Dept Complaints
o 156 Dennis Dr.- Current resident has animal odors coming from property and lives there without running water-Unresolved
- Spoke with Robert Travis Jr. He is awaiting a hearing about forced evictions. -
- Addressed Water Dept Complaints-
- 1038 Arkansas St. Mike about pluming problems – Referred to Andre Crawford to fix problem
- Billed City- $110.00 (CK 1771)
- 608 Plaza- Ms. Rogers informed Landlord of leak and was told as soon as it dries up it will be fixed Mr. Knowlton will be fixing problem at earliest convenience provided we have dry weather- Unresolved
- Issued Letter- Spoke with Church Representative- We instructed tenant to stop using washer to allow property to dry and allow plumber to find the leak.
- Spoke with Tenant and will stop washing this week to allow time for ground to dry
- Spoke with tenant she has stopped using washer and is still waiting for landlord to send plumber
· Addressed Street/Sanitation Dept.
- Mr. Huff called concerned about 339 S 6th St
- Spoke with owner- waiting for insurance to respond
- Cited Property with debris or trash piles
- 402 W Russell- Referred Don Coats to licensed lawn care services.
- 802 Garland Ave.-resolved
- Property Owner said she sold property but will contact owner
- 250 N. Sebastian- Unresolved-Sent 3rd Notice Letter
- 1111 College St.- Unresolved-Sent 3rd Notice Letter
- Debris and trash- Notified Owner-
- Received additional complaints form neighboring resident
- 334- 336 S 6th St- debris on property- Notified – Resolved
- Received numerous complaints Citizen is making progress cleaning property
- 327 N. 9th St- Trash and Debris-Unresolved- Sent 2nd Notice Letter
- 700 Ohio St – Mr. Hoskins has begun work on removing trash off site and is progressing toward resolution. –Unresolved
- 909 Pecan St- Unresolved
- Received May Payment
- Locust/ Little Rock Rd- Unresolved
- 337 S. Sam St- the adjacent property- Unresolved- Sent notice
- 215 N Sam- debris across the street- Unresolved
- 237 Hernando- in front debris across the street- Unresolved
- 131/127/129 Sander land Dr-
- Spoke with Mr. O'Neal who stated he would secure property and place signs at entrances to address citizen complaints –Unresolved
- Cited House
- 1127 Franklin St- Tagged, Pictured
- 1131 Franklin St.- Tagged, Pictured
- 1133 Franklin St- Tagged, Pictured
-
- 206 Beech St. Tagged, Pictured-Notified- Unresolved
- Spoke with Ms. Bynum of Independent Mortgage
- Property Burned Down- Contacting Owner about Cleanup
- 214 Beech St- Tagged, Pictured –Notice Burned Contacting Owner about Cleanup
- 216 Beech St- Tagged Pictured, Notified
- 1433 Perry St- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified
- 1535 Sulfur Springs Rd- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified
- Received response from owner and request an extension
- 139 S. Ashlar St. – Tagged, Pictured, & Notified- Sent 2nd Notice
- Received request form owner for an extension
- 1806 Holly St- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified.
- Requesting an extension
- 741 Liberty St- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified
- 1920 Holly St- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified- Sent 2nd Notice
- 326 S Baringo- Tagged & Pictured, Notified- Unresolved
- 115 S. 4th St- Resolved
- Sent notice of demolishing house Demolition almost complete
- 314 Adkins – Tagged, Pictured, Burned, Pending Notification
- 276 West wood Pl- Tagged & Pictured-Sent 2nd Notice Letter
- 314 Hernando – Tagged, Pictured, Notified
- 214 S 4th St – Tagged & Pictured
- 325 Hwy 44 – Tagged & Pictured
- 305 Lithicum- Tagged & Pictured-
-
- 700 Elm St- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified
- House boarded up
- Lawn Needs Cutting
- 517 Word Ave- Tagged & Pictured
- 1306 Ohio St. Tagged, Pictured, & Notified
- 134 Ohio St- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified
- Demolished awaiting Labor Cost and Disposal Fee- Victor
- 140 Ohio St- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified
- Demolished awaiting Labor Cost and Disposal Fee-Victor
- 150 S Ashlar St.- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified- Sent 2nd Notice Letter
- Requested an extension
- 526 E. Cleburne St- Tagged & Pictured
- Requested 30 day extension-Resolved
- Boarded Up
- 327 N. 9th St – Tagged & Pictured- Notified
- Property needs lawn area cleaned
- 102 Richmond Hill Dr.- Tagged, Pictured & Notified.
- Requesting extension to do repairs
- Cited Vehicles-Unresolved
- 32 Parkdale- White Buick LaSabre- Tagged
- VIN 1G4HP54CZMH456598 Lic. None
- Brown Ford Cougar – No VIN Visible Lic. None
- 36 Parkdale St- Blue Dodge Dakota- Tagged
- VIN 1B7FL26XOPS1O8487 Lic. 087ETC
- Resident called said he is working on cleaning up needs 2 weeks
- 35 Parkdale St -White Chevy Irocc-z Camaro- Tagged
- VIN G1FP87F9GLl53007 Lic. W48BCN
- 245 S 6th St Burgundy Chevy Caprice Classic- Tagged
- 1GVBL53E1PR103169
- 245 Baringo St -Resolved
- Red Mercury Mystique- Tagged
- VIN 1melm653xwk613858
- Vehicle operational
- 638 Kentucky-
- Vehicles in back yard- Issued Letter to Resident & Property Owner
- Lloyd James – Received letter requesting extension of time
- Making good progress
- 640 Cooke St- Multiple vehicles on property- Resolved
- 101 Short Ohio- Tagged & Pictured- Unresolved
- Came in and is in process of cleaning up property and selling trailer- Sent 2nd Notice
- 1307 Cherry St.- Tagged & Pictured- Unresolved
- Will clean property & move vehicles. -Sent 2nd Notice
List Of Condemned Properties Pending submission to Planning Commission
Submitted Packet to Attorney Andre- Completed- Resubmitted
- 238 Ashlar St- Tagged, Pictured, Notified-
- 837 Alabama- Tagged, Pictured, & Notified
- 1325 Pecan St
- 227 8th St.-Cleaned Up and Removing form list
- 315 S 6th St.
- 60 Lincoln Ct
- 1308 Pecan St
- 246 N 6th St.
- 812 Elm St.
- 212 Buckeye- Demolished and Removing form list
- Pending Billing Invoice
- 825 Elm St- Partly Demolished
- 717 Bennett-Called to Remove Meter
- 121 N. 4th St- Partly Demolished Removing from list
- 208 N. Baringo
- Mailed certified letters to property owners on severely dilapidated structures located at:
- Lot 5 Block 43(Franklin & Adams)- Unresolved
- 326 Hernando St- Unresolved
- Lot 5W ½ Block 42-(Adams St)-Unresolved
- 1603 Sulfur Springs Rd- Unresolved
- 1023 Poplar St- - Sent Contract to Demolish- Unresolved
- 1128 Beech St- Unresolved
- 1920 Holly St- Unresolved
- Mailed Regular letters to property owners regarding city's concerns
- 3 Lincoln Ct- reminder to continue clean up- Resolved
- 23 Lincoln Ct- 2nd Notice
- 314 Hernando St- 2nd Notice
- 1433 Perry St- 2nd Notice
- 21 Lincoln Ct- 2nd Notice
- Linda Teague- 2nd Notice
- 109 S 10th St
- 915 Plaza St.
- 759 Nixon St.
- 1417 Cherry St- Sent landlord and tenant notice- Unresolved- 2nd Notice
- Ord 05.12.01 and Ord26-2006
- 313 N. Sebastian St- Reminder to continue clean up
- 418 St. Jean Dr. Notice Ref. New Construction of Backyard Access
- Sent copy of Dedication Deed –Referred to Councilman Roy Reynolds and Attorney Andre Valley
- 432 West St- Reminder to continue clean up- 3rd Notice
- 448 West St. Notice of responsibility of Property Owners
- Sent Ord05.12.01
- George Hudson Jr.- 434 West St-Unresolved
- Citizen complaint about hole dug on West St that is full of water-
- Notified Owner- Resolved
- Requested an extension to wait until ground dries
- Ryan Titus and– Unresolved- Received notice that home is in dispute
- 181 Oakland Ave
- 144 Military Rd
- 202 Madison St.
- Addressed complaint from concerned citizen
- 238 S. Ashlar St- Lori Mosby-
- Property burned down contacting Owner-about clean up- Unresolved
- Resident of 233 N 4th St
- Ditch not draining – Referred to Oscar
- Grass not cut next door- Contacting Owner- Unresolved
- 315 Southridge
- Grass not cut- Contacting Owner- Unresolved
- Lorna Harcourt
- 144 Military Rd- Grass 2-3feet tall needs cutting- Referred to Oscar
- Mertee Montgomery
- Complaint about Daycare in neighborhood
- Willie Davis
- 622 Jefferson St – Tree Falling
- Jane Hisler
- Property across from Community Center-909 Pecan- Referred to Victor
- Thelma Morris
- House Being torn Down – Referred to Mayor Valley
- Daniel Carter 569 Nixon St - Resolved
- Grass growing to tall to see around corner- Spraying lawn
- Mildred Bryant-Resolved
- Property on Galloway received quote to demolish
- 3hours labor & landfill cost.
- 219 N.10th – Garbage attracting pest-Pictured- Unresolved
- Continue to receive complaints about pest and trash
- Issuing 1st Notice
- Dolly Thomas- Ditch not draining- Referred to Oscar-
- Waiting for ditch to dry out-Resolved
- 1111 College St- not cutting property-debris & Trash- Unresolved- Sent 3rd Notice
- 114 N. 6th St- lawn attracting pest pending contacting owner- Unresolved
- 207 S. 6th St- Unresolved
- Ms. Lambert called & said donated property to the city and advised to contact Attorney Roscopf
- Bertha Lucas asked about property that has not been completely cleaned up. Also desiring city to demolish and clean properties already cited – Sent letter with quote awaiting response -Unresolved
- 333 N. Coanza St-
- Sending Invoice for Demolishing
- 408 S Coanza St- Resolved
- Demolished – 5 hour labor
- 712 Elm St.- Resolved-
- Demolished-$1200.00
· Outstanding invoices in January will be sent a 3rd notice this week
o Cooper Demetrius owe $105.00
§ Called will pay send payment 4-25-08-
· Submitted to Andre for collection
o Walker CR- owe $52.50
o Hubbard Ethel Mae owe $105.00
o William Ernest J. owe $420.00
o Smith Ophelia owe $105.00
- Outstanding invoices in February will be sent a 3rd notice this week
- Denise Bell- owe $705.30
- Rhondalyn Wilkins- owe $649.14
- Bobby Jones- owe $1947.48
· Outstanding invoices in March will be sent a 2nd notice this week
o Martha Scott- owe $310.00
o Mary & Henry White- owe $581.25
o 324 Adkins- owe $581.25
· Outstanding invoices in April
· Jamie or Glenda Woods- $800.00
· Arlease James-$682.00
· Robert Quick- $814.00
· Outstanding invoices in May
· Jannette Hardman- 232.50
Current Contracts
· 1302 Cherry St.
· 914 Alabama St
· 909 Pecan St
· 316 & 318 N Coanza
· Lot on Norman St.
· 1134 & 1136 Beech St.
· 556 S. 7th St
Submitted Ticket Citations
- Annie Blue
- 148 Anderson St
Special Weekly Activities
Planning Commission Meeting -May 14,2008
Historical Meeting –May 22, 2008
Future Weekly Activities:
- American Association of Code Enforcement
- Membership Application- Current Members- Received Packet
- 2008 Annual Conference- Oct 29-31, 2008
- 2008 Exam Code Enforcement Certification-
- Submitted Cost of Books and Testing Fees to Mrs. Covington
- Continue addressing ordinance violations
- Mayor Valley List
- Mail out letters to owners
- Create a mass mailing to notify residents of Stricter ordinance enforcement
- Compiling list of homes that have exceeded the allotted time limit ready to present to Planning Commission for approval to be condemned.
- Tag and Tow more vehicles
- Meet with KJIW about public service ad this week-Pending
- Review and Update contracts of citizen's who contract with demolished property and debris removal
- Update payment records and files.
- Arkansas Natural Resource Commission (Flood Insurance Program)
- Floodplain Administrator Accreditation Class
- Received letter packet From FEMA- Reviewing
Follow Up Activities:
On weekly Rotation
House violations
Vehicle violations
Property Violations
- Continue tagging and towing unauthorized vehicles-
- Continue mailing out certified letters to property owners or overgrown lots and dilapidated structures.
- Continue to monitor the progress of demolition and clean up.
Staff Concerns;
· Air Conditioning not working in vehicles
· More Training
Vehicle Gas Log;
Chevy Impala
· 16gal - $61.00
Mercury Grand Marquis
· 18gal - $67.11
Mail Log;
| Code Enforcement Mail Ledger | 2008 | |||
| Date | No. Of Ltrs Reg and Cert | Postage Amt | Past Postage Amt | Current Postage Amt |
| Jan | 11 | $ 59.18 | $ 319.01 | $ 378.19 |
| Feb | 28 | $ 150.64 | $ 378.19 | $ 528.83 |
| Mar | 45 | $ 242.10 | $ 528.83 | $ 770.93 |
| Apr | 19 | $ 102.22 | $ 770.93 | $ 873.15 |
| 22-Apr | 3 Reg/2Cert | $ 11.99 | $ 873.15 | $ 885.14 |
| 25-Apr | 1 Reg/2Cert | $ 11.17 | $ 885.14 | $ 896.31 |
| 1-May | 8 Reg/9 Cert | $ 51.78 | $ 896.31 | $ 948.09 |
| 5-7 May | 4 Reg/0 Cert | $ 1.64 | $ 948.09 | $ 949.73 |
| 16-May | 8 Reg/ 8 Cert | $ 46.40 | $ 949.73 | $ 996.13 |
| Totals | 24 Reg / 84 Cert | $ 677.72 | | $ 677.72 |
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